Advocacy
On the national level
Girl Scouts of the USA's advocacy efforts help demonstrate to lawmakers that Girl Scouts is a resource and an authority on issues affecting girls. Based on almost 100 years of experience and developed from extensive research, the Girl Scout Public Policy and Advocacy Office:
- Encourages healthy living through combating Relational Aggression and promoting girl-positive media images;
- Promotes girls' involvement in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM);
- Gives a voice to girls in underserved communities;
- Ensures girls feel emotionally and physically safe;
- Prevents youth violence in communities; and
- Develops financial literacy skills through programs like the Cookie Program.
Girl Scouts of the USA first established a Public Policy and Advocacy office in 1952. Since that time, the organization has worked to build strong relationships with members of Congress, as well as with officials at the White House and federal departments and agencies. Through national advocacy efforts, the Girl Scouts of the USA informs and educates key representatives of the government's legislative and executive branches about issues important to girls and Girl Scouting and lobby for increased program resources.
On the Council level
The Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council advocates for girls' issues by educating state and local elected officials on the needs of girls, and partnering with organizations such as the Delaware Girls Initiative, Delaware AfterSchool Alliance and others. Every spring, GSCB Council hosts Delaware Legislative Day at Legislative Hall in Dover, Delaware. GSCB Council also partners with the Girl Scout Councils of Central Maryland, Nation's Capital, and Shawnee to host Maryland Legislative Day each February.
Join the Girl Scouts Advocacy Network
The Girl Scouts Advocacy Network provides a tool for you to become the voice for girls and to make a difference in your community and across the nation. Girl Scout members, volunteers, boards, staff and supporters can educate policymakers and community leaders on issues that directly affect girls and the Girl Scouts. By being an advocate, you will have an impact on girl policy issues that are moving through Congress and state legislatures. Sign up today at www.girlscouts4girls.org and take action!
Outreach
We believe that every girl should have the chance to experience and benefit from Girl Scouting. Our Outreach Program works to bring Girl Scouting to those girls who would otherwise not be able to be Girl Scouts. Through partnerships with local Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, YWCAs, and other organizations, as well as public, private and charter schools, our Council delivers Girl Scouting programs and activities right in girls' communities. By bringing Girl Scouting to underserved communities, girls who often face socioeconomic hurdles, poverty, and crime are able to reap the benefits of Girl Scouting, which include leadership, courage, confidence, character, and connection to other Girl Scouts.
In 2007, our Council expanded our Outreach program, providing over 4,700 girls across the peninsula with leadership programs and skill building activities.
The Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay Council relies on the generosity of donors to keep these worthwhile Advocacy and Outreach programs going for the benefit of thousands of girls across the Peninsula. Click here to find out how you can help.
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